National men, and women's netball teams, Netkings and Divas are set to take on continental heavyweights as Kenya hosts the 2026 Africa Netball Cup from Saturday, 19 to 26 September at Kasarani Indoor Arena.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThis is the first time the country is hosting the competition, with the women's tournament doubling as the official African qualifier for the Netball World Cup set for Sydney in 2027.With South Africa and Uganda having already qualified via rankings, Divas will be gunning for the remaining two spots against other heavyweights, led by two-time champions Malawi.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962325##"Kenya is preparing to welcome Africa with pride and purpose. Our focus is on delivering a tournament that meets international standards while creating an experience that athletes, officials and supporters will remember.Hosting the Cup for the first time is an opportunity to showcase Kenya's growing netball culture and leave a lasting legacy for the sport,” said Kenya Netball president Immaculate Kabutha.The Divas will hope to build on their 2025 performance, where they secured a respectable fifth place finish after battling through a rigorous campaign, eventually defeating Botswana 50-42 in the classification play-off.Ranked seventh in Africa and 22nd globally, the Divas are banking on home advantage to break their previous performance ceiling and book a place to the global competition.The women's side starts their campaign in pool B against three-time champions Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Nigeria. Malkia Strikers coach lists ingredients needed for success at Volleyball World CupThe other pools pits defending champions South Africa against neighbours Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.Meanwhile, the men's competition, now in its fourth edition, having been played on the continental stage for the first time in 2023, features seven teams including defending champions South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana in a round-robin format.Women's Pools:Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania.Pool B: Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria.
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